CAPE COAST CASTLE OCTOBER 1873
“I don"t have time to mount a guard of honour, sir,” Jack tried to control his frustration. “I need to train these men, so they are fit to fight the Ashantis.”
“You"ll have time, Windrush,” Colonel Harley said. “I can"t see General Wolseley landing on Monday and attacking Kumasi on Tuesday. He"s a methodical man. In the meantime, we need to welcome him to the Gold Coast, and you"ll be the first officer he sees.”
Jack took a deep breath, thinking of Mary under the Ashantis" power. “I"d rather get the men ready for fighting, sir.”
“I have given my orders, Windrush.”
“Yes, sir. You mean I have to provide the guard of honour at the landing stage and Government House?”
“That"s right old boy. We don"t have sufficient men for both.” Colonel Harley smiled. “If
